MANILA – Creamline Cool Smashers kicked off its title defense in the Premier Volleyball League Season 3 Open Conference with a 25-23, 25-20, 25-15 sweep over Philippine Air Force Jet Spikers at the San Juan Arena.
Michelle Gumabao top-scored with 14 points on Sunday while Alyssa Valdez chipped in 13 markers on 10 attacks, two service aces and a block.
For the defending champions Cool Smashers, Risa Sato and Jessica Galanza also made their presence felt, with the former contributing 11 markers and the latter nailing nine markers.
Meanwhile, Julia Morado tallied 23 excellent sets and libero Kyla Atienza had 22 digs.
“It’s so hard every start of the conference. There’s this feeling nia you don’t know what to expect from your opponents,” said Valdez. “We haven’t seen the Air Force play for the longest time and they’re a completely different team.”
The Cool Smashers had to survive a tough challenge from the Jet Spikers in the first two sets before pounding their opposition in the third frame with an 18-9 start en route to a sweep win.
Aklanon Dell Palomata finished in double figures with 14 points while May Ann Pantino had 10 markers for the Jet Spikers.
Meanwhile, BanKo Perlas Lady Spikers pulled off a 25-20, 11-25, 25-21, 25-18 victory over Reinforced Conference champions Petro Gazz Angels. Angelique Gervacio tallied 14 markers in the win./PN
